smectic

American  

[smek-tik] / ˈsmɛk tɪk /

adjective

Physical Chemistry.

1. noting a mesomorphic state in which the arrangement of the molecules is in layers or planes.

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smectic British  

/ ˈsmɛktɪk /

adjective

1. chem (of a substance) existing in or having a mesomorphic state in which the molecules are oriented in layers Compare nematic See also liquid crystal

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Etymology

Origin of smectic

1665–75 for earlier sense “cleansing”; < Latin smēcticus < Greek smēktikós, equivalent to smēkt ( ós ) smeared, verbid of smḗchein to wash out, clean + -tikos -tic

Example Sentences

In the latter, the molecular ordering associated with different crystal phases — such as cholesteric, nematic and smectic phases — and, in particular, the anchoring of liquid crystals to surfaces can lead to diverse behaviour of Casimir-like forces9.

From Nature

This layer-like structure, in which the ordering within each layer remains nematic, is known as a smectic after the Greek word for soap.

From The Guardian